In a direct response to Tesla’s claim that its Model S electric sedan earned more than 5 stars in federal crash test, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has changes its rules on how automakers can market their vehicles’ crash ratings.
In August Tesla made the bold claim that its Model S sedan received a federal crash rating of 5.4 stars, exceeding the agency’s top issued score of 5 stars. Tesla said its Model S earned extra credit according to the overall Vehicle Safety Score it was provided by the NHTSA.
At the time the NHTSA disputed Tesla’s claim, stating that it “does not rate vehicles beyond 5 stars.” Now the agency has taken things a step farther by enacting new policies that bar automakers from advertising safety ratings above 5 stars.
“Tesla’s claim was an example of the potential confusion and inaccuracy that could be caused by incorrect use of the 5-Star ratings information in advertising and marketing statements,” NHTSA said in a statement, according to Reuters.
The agency added: “Advertisers who claim more than 5 stars are misleading the public.”
Any automakers that claim a 5+ star rating going forward could be subject to action from federal and state authorities.
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